It was a matter of millimetres.
Manchester City cut the gap at the top of the Premier League table to four points on Thursday night with a 2-1 win over league leaders Liverpool.
Goals from Sergio Aguero and Leroy Sane ensured that the reigning champions took all three points in a closely fought battle that could have swung either way, but as always it was a matter of fine margins.
Vincent Kompany was lucky to escape a red card for his rash tackle on Mo Salah with the scores locked at 0-0, while John Stones’ last-ditch goal-line clearance kept City in the game after a mix-up between him and goalkeeper Ederson.
Wow, this is how close Liverpool were to taking the lead.#MCILIV pic.twitter.com/TuRBOSVgVi
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) January 3, 2019
The ball was a matter of millimetres from crossing the line, but goal-line technology showed that the whole ball had not crossed the line. It was the sort of moment that could haunt Liverpool for years if City pip them to the league title this season.
Watching the clearance back after the game, John Stones was extremely pleased with his heroics, shouting “HADOUKEN!” as he watched footage of it in the dressing room.
Manchester City’s official Twitter account tweeted a video of Stones, accompanied by backroom staff, watching the moment back.
Yes John, it was a pretty close call! 😅#mancity pic.twitter.com/CAfQfJBvLJ
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 4, 2019
